Questions & Answers

Questions & Answers about Thigh Lift

Who is a candidate for a thigh lift?

The best candidate for a thigh lift is someone who has lost a significant amount of weight and has loose, baggy skin along the inner thigh and/or outer thigh.

Can I have liposuction instead of a thigh lift?

Liposuction will remove fat but does not tighten skin. If large amounts of loose skin are already present, liposuction alone will not achieve satisfactory results.

Are there visible scars after a thigh lift?

An outer thigh lift will have an incision at the top of thigh. An inner thigh lift will have a curved incision that is made in the groin area from the front of the groin back toward the crease of the buttock. If there is a very large amount of excess skin, a vertical scar along the inner thigh may be necessary as well. The scars may be visible in a bathing suit even if they are hidden in the groin crease because gravity causes a small amount of scar migration. The scars are easily hidden in clothing and will fade over time.

What are the risks of a thigh lift?

The general risks include adverse reaction to general anesthesia, bleeding, infection and scar formation. There may be some numbness of the thighs or legs if nerves are cut.

How long is the recovery time after a thigh lift?

While recovery time will vary depending on individual, most patients typically take off at least one to two weeks. You will need to greatly restrict movement immediately after surgery, particularly heavy physical activities, to facilitate healing of your incisions.